Pernía replaces Del Horno in Spain Squad
Mariano Pernía has replaced the injured Asier Del Horno in Spain’s World Cup squad. There were strong calls for Pernía to be included in the original squad following his storming season with Getáfe which earned him a transfer to Atlético Madrid but the 29 year-old Argentine was only recently granted Spanish nationality and coach Luis Aragones resisted the temptation to pick him, claiming he wanted to reward the squad that had ensured Spain’s qualification.
Chelsea fans will be wondering how Del Horno can be first choice for Spain. He has endured a hugely disappointing season which culminated in him being humiliated to such a degree by Lionel Messi in the Champions’ League that he earned himself a sending off with a rash challenge. Even allowing for “Chelsea inflation” his £8 million transfer fee seems excessive…
In contrast Pernía’s 10 goals this season is a Spanish League record for a defender, and with shooting like this, Spain fans are probably breathing a collective sigh of relieve that he rather than Del Horno will be lining up in the first group game against the Ukraine on 14 June.
